​Misha Penton, soprano
Soprano Misha Penton is a contemporary opera and new music singer, theater artist, and librettist. She is the founder, artistic director, and ensemble lead artist of Divergence Vocal Theater, a Houston-based opera, new music and multi-performing arts ensemble. Misha has sung world premieres by composers Ofer Ben-Amots, Elliot Cole, Dominick DiOrio, George Heathco, and James D. Norman. Misha is one of Houston Press’ 100 Creatives of 2011, and was named a 2012 finalist for Best Artistic Director by the Houston Press Theater Awards for her work with Divergence Vocal Theater. Professional affiliations include Houston Grand Opera, Mercury Baroque, St. Cecilia Chamber Opera, The University of Houston Center for Creative Work; the Jewish Community Center Houston; The Olimpias, an international artists' collective and performance research series; and DiverseWorks Arts Space Houston. Recent performances included a reprise of the title role in Dominick DiOrio’s chamber opera, Klytemnestra (a setting of Misha’s libretto) in the galleries of The Museum of Fine Arts Houston and at the Dallas Museum of Art; a site specific world premiere collaboration with composer George Heathco in a 19th century military bunker at Fort Worden State Park in Washington State; and the CD and music video release of Selkie, composed by Elliot Cole, and performed, produced by, and with a libretto by Misha. Upcoming projects include a world premiere song cycle setting of Misha’s fairytale poetry composed by George Heathco. Misha is delighted to be singing with Houston’s Quartus Chamber Players in their 2013-14 season.